Sad, sad words [open]

[Velnias]

Owhvdd

Beauty is a fragile gift.

"Rodrick, I think. Yes indeed!" The bird chirped with gusto, perched atop the chestnut horse's poll of his head. The stallion spoke quietly, with a soft voice, and stopped periodically as if engaging in a conversation as he walked. The chestnut bore a soft smile on his gentle face and the sparrow chirped fervently, looking about him excitedly as if fascinated by the new vantage point he enjoyed. Ovid grinned, but his eyes were sad as they always were. His ears perked lazily and though he was a tall horse, the way he held out his neck and drooped his head made him look ungainly and gaunt. He blinked his eyes, weary without sleep. The stallion let out a long sigh, and his head swayed so low his lip grazed a colorful dew-kissed flower. He bit his lip, feeling it tickle, and looked down, aghast, when the flower slowly drained itself of its yellow brilliance and withered up, dead.

"Oh no, oh no, that won't do, oh you poor thing!" He sniffed the corpse of the flower and sniffed with emotion welling up in his throat. He always knew he shouldn't be so emotional, but he couldn't help it! It wasn't his fault that it wasn't his fault. "Oh dear, Rodrick, I despise myself. That's it! I'm despicable! Err...Rodrick?" The bird didn't answer him and it worried Ovid. He lowered his head...and Rodrick fell off. He landed on the dirt with a hollow thump and rolled over. His talons curled up grotesquely and his beak was frozen in mid-squall. The bird's eyes were dead and his feathers singed. ""Rodrick!" Ovid took his wing in his teeth and darted to the bushes, where he hid the bird's body. "It explains why he wasn't talking to me..." Ovid muttered with a sigh, a tear glistening in his eye. He was feeling more down now than he'd been before. "Oh, that's a horrid thing to say."

[Wild@Heart]

Just the words I hoped to hear. A grin pulled at the corners of his lips, and I met it with my own smirk, pools smoldering still. Though our ranks are many, we'll be looking for more. His words came out quickly, my twin peaks straining to decipher them before more spilled out. He turned away from me, moving closer to the outskirts, and walking along them. His pools seemed to be looking for something, something that wasn't here at the moment. The world around us was completely silent, his voice ringing out loud and clear as he spoke once more, his words slightly slower this time. You will be charged with your fair share, and seeing as I will be... He paused her, searching for a word, and I shifted my weight forward slightly, prompting him to speak while awaiting for the words. His movement stopped also, my own deep blue pools drilling into him with intrigue. Busy. The world rolled off of his tongue and hit the ground like a ton of bricks. He would be busy, of course, he would have a growing army to take care of. But a sudden burning sensation began to grow in my stomach, a certain urge. WOuld he be too busy for me, would he not have time for such a little mare? You will report to my second in command. Select one recruit, and report to her by nightfall in three days. My task had been assigned now. I had been given a mission to complete, a test to see if I deserved to run alongside the best. I would do this willingly, quickly, and with ease. I would find a being that was strong enough to deserve to join the ranks, one that wouldn't coware away in the neediest of times.

Kratos now turned to face him, his mask one of power. He nodded slightly, his crown just barely bobbing as I locked pools with him, mimicking his mask with my own. If you do what I've asked, and I will be watching, I can promise you power over armies. This oppurtunity is for few. Prove you deserve it, I do not dissapoint. His pools began to narrow while he gazed at me, almost as if he was challenging me to dare dissapoint him, and just as I opened my cave to speak, a look of determination upon my mask, when the dark fog began to rise. A shiver ran down my spine, but still I stood proud, for I had been chosen. I had been given the opportunity that he himself had said very few got. But this wasn't enough for me. I wanted more. I wanted to be the woman that stood by his side, his second in command. I wanted to share in the glory he would get when the gods and goddess' had been defeated. I wanted it all, and then I wanted more. I had never felt such a feeling before, such a strong want, and it was almost enough to drive me insane. And yet I was able to control it, wiping my mask clean of all emotion as the world changed around me.

And then the mist that had risen off the ground began to pool around the stallion, climbing up his limbs much like ivy as it began to swallow him whole. His mask, it seemed content, and I was reassured that this was what was supposed to happen. But as he was no longer visible, just a charchoal pile of gas, the world around me changed for the last time. No longer was the stallion visible, or the land that I had so recently been standing upon. Now the sky was black, no hint of the sun or stars to lead my way, and the ground was hard. The scent of blood filled my nostrils, clogging my brain as the world was once more silent. Had I just imagined all of this, had it been a dream? Did the dream mean something?

Go forth. I will find you. His voice echoed in my skull, deep and in command. Instantly I picked up a gallop, hardened blood flying out from under my hooves. I wasn't in great shape, but I was still able to withstand such acivities. If anything being of cursed blood helped me. I didn't need my heart, I didn't need to breath rapidly when I ran, I didn't need my muscles to move bone. It was as if I was free of all worry, my long strides eating up the ground. And now I had a chance to think, my brain clogged with thoughts. I would go to the claiming lands, I would run there, and I would find another equine to come with me. I would follow Kratos' lead and I would go silently, the other horses not hearing a thing. I would observe them, I would pick out the strongest one, and then, after I was positive that it was the one I wanted, I would make my attack.

As I neared the lands my pace slowed to a brisk trot. It had taken me a few hours to get here, and already time seemed to be running out. 3 days, that was what I had, and I wanted to do it in less. So I would scope out the creatures here with my eyes, and then I would decide. This would only take me a few moments, a minute if I was slow. I stopped at the edge of the sanctuary, allowing my pools to scan the landscape. Instantly they landed upon a crimson stallion, his hide shimmering in the sunlight. He was large, his height reaching what I assumed to be near Kratos', and he was well filled out. His chest was side, hindquarters long, and muscle was visible under his taught hide. As I watched him, I could pick up on the words he was saying, words spoken as if no one else was around. Rodrick, I think, yes indeed! His voice was soft, and he appeared to be speaking to the creature that sat atop his skull. He carried himself with pity, not with the pride that such a gallant creature should. Instantly I felt sorry for him, and I knew that I wanted to be the one to change his life. After all, I was sure that he would have much more to give than any happy go lucky creature that I would find anywhere else. Oh no, oh no, that won't do. Oh you poor thing! And now he was playing with a wilted flower. Oh dear, Rodrick, I depsise myself. That's it! I'm despicable! Err..Rodrick? He lowered his head more than it had been before, the limp birds body falling off of his poll. Rodrick! He picked up the dead creature with his teeth, carrying it toward the bushes at a quick pace. It explains why he wasn't talking to me. Oh, that's a horrid thing to say! His voice was filled with emotion each time he spoke, his mask matching. No longer was I sure that he was the perfect canidate, but I would soon find out.

I was sure that he had no idea that I was here, my presence had been completely silent, and now as I began to walk towards him, his back turned to me and the wind coming my way, I was sure that he was still clueless. I opened my cave to speak, my presence soon to be discovered as I inhaled his odor. Pull yourself together. My voice came out in a soft whisper, voice box vibrating softly as I continued to walk towards him. As I neared him, I hesitated slighty before pressing my whiskery muzzle up against his large haunch, warm breath encircling it. There are greater things for you to do. I have come to take you with me. You are to be part of something bigger, part of something that doesn't revolve around you. My voice was stronger now, proud, as I spoke to him, my pools locked upon his. My mask was filled with power, much like Kratos' had been, and I was hoping that I was having the same effect upon him as the lead stallion had had upon me.

Words: 1,469
Muse: Perfect.
Other: Let me know what you think.

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[Velnias]

OOC - Good post, yes. I'm not actually sure Ovid would be the perfect guy for you, but little rough-and-tough conflict would be good for his poor little heart. Who knows, maybe he'll come out with an alter side like Nakoma did!

OOH. If you're interested, PM me...I have a second stallion I'd love you to recruit. We don't need to RP him out as well, but it'd be good for Nakoma to impress that second-in-command of Kratos', yes? So if you're interested, PM me, but he's a secret to the world, okay?

[Velnias]

Owhvdd

Beauty is a fragile gift.

I was a wreck. A messy, shambled, tattered, distraught, horrible, ghastly, revolting wreck. I sometimes hated myself. I didn't ask for this! It was just...whoever decided to make me do these things didn't listen to me when I asked them to make it stop! Was it the gods? Was it? Did they choose? I was always afraid to bring the question to mind because if I thought about it enough, I'd surely start to develop feelings one way or the other, and once that happened, eventually I'd start talking to myself, like I always did...maybe that was why I was so lonely...

I sniffed and my face felt droopy. My body felt tired all of a sudden. "I'm sorry, my boy." I threw a final glance at the bushes and rather suddenly, I tossed up my head. I was scared of what I'd done; I darted off, loping down the path with my ears flat and then pricked again. I slowed when I could run no more and stood, panting. A junebug crawled near my hoof and I stepped back, afraid to do anything to hurt it. I clamped my mouth shut when a noise rustled the leaves just ahead of me. The noise stopped. But I'd heard it, I was certain of that. "Anyone in there?" As if commanded, the brances twisted away, and they leaves fell away, revealing a hole in the trees, leading into the darker forest. I pinned my ears, deciding in my fragile state, it was best not to take the presented route. But what made the noise? I backed away, spun around, started to run back the way I came--

"AAH!!!" I just barely missed the mare who'd been standing in the path. I tripped and fell, nearly, scraping a knee, but I got back up, determined not to show weakness. Not to anyone. I stamped the dirt from my knee and turned around to face her. She had a beautiful but somehow thin coat. She was pretty...the prettiest thing I'd ever seen...I could hardly take my eyes off her. "Accept my apologies...ma'am..." I stuttered, barely able to find words. I looked away. As if on command the shower of dirt that had come up from my hooves when I had tried to avoid her, fell from the front of her coat where it had been sticking before. I was glad to see her coat shiny again. I blinked, looking at the ground. I was afraid to speak, not to mention I was rather tongue-tied.

Her first words were harsh. I cringed. I started to open my mouth to protest but stopped, feeling my face flush with a mixture of anger and embarrasment. My behavior had always been sheepish. I was a basketcase. I couldn't help it. Who gave her...the right to interfere with me? I had to cut off my thoughts right then because I was afraid of eventually making them into words...and doing something horrible with them. Then the mare spoke again and I looked up at her with confusion. Her face was turning cold, her eyes staring into mine. My own eyes darted down to the ground again. "What for?" I silently asked, and it was like a plea for an explanation. I didn't know who she was or what she wanted. Err, apparently she wanted me, but I couldn't understand it! It scared me. She had a weird smell on her.

[Wild@Heart]

Aah. His voice was startled and shrill, his expression made to match, as he just barely managed to not run into me, tripping over his own two feet in the process. I watched helplessly as his body began to sway, hooves scrammbling, before he fell upon the ground, catching himself upon his knees. I half expected him to stay upon the ground, letting out a few pained sputters, but he surprised me when he managed to get back up as if nothing had happened, blood beading upon one joint. I could smell the crimson liquid, and the aroma made me sick, but yet I managed to keep my mask wiped clean of all emotion. He stamped his front feet now, dirt falling in clumps, before he turned to look at me. Accept me apologies, ma'am. His voice was stuck in his throat, his words seeming almost painful. He had only kept eye contact while he had spoke, the few seconds, and now he looked away. This irratated me slightly, but I would never let him know of that. Maybe if he came with me, maybe while I was conditioning him, I would drop subtle hints to things that he should and shouldn't do. After all, I wanted him to be aware of these problems, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings. I wanted to do the very opposite. I wanted to boost his self esteem, grow his confidence.

And then I spoke my first sentence, words almost too harsh. I saw him cringe, his whole body seeming to grow tense as his jaw dropped open before closing again. An odd expression appeared upon his mask, one of mixed emotion, and I continued on quickly. This time he appeared confused, and this was something I could relate to. When Kratos had spoke to me, I had felt the very same. EVerything seemed to be undefined, everything was just a jumble. And then he had managed to explain it, he had managed to change me. I pictured myself before, the lone and hurt mare I had been. I never would have joined a rebel army, I never would have even talked to a stallion such as Kratos unless it was to change his heart. But now it was so easy for me to do what he commanded, now it was so much easier to do bad. He had awoken something inside of me with his words, and I hoped to do the same for this creature.

What for? His voice was soft as he questioned me. I began to think back to the way Kratos had explained it all to me, I began to dig through my brain to try and remember the technique he had used to be able to change me. The bait would be the same, I would have to find what he hated and use it against the gods to get him to side with me. It seemed much harder than what Kratos had had to do, seeing as he knew that I was cursed. I had no idea what this stallion was like, or what he didn't want to be like. But, he had already given me a few little clues, and I would start with that.

You are a stallion of great looks. Do you not wish your courage and strength to measure up? Do you not wish to be the hero of the storybook? My voice was barely above a whisper as I spoke to him, words coming out in a steady rythm. I needed him to eat each one up, I needed him to buy into every single word that I was saying. I needed a secret weapon to use in the end, a trick up my sleeve that would leave him wanting more. And yet I had none. This thing, it would be pure luck if I was allowed to bring him to Kratos as mine.

And then it hit me, or an idea came anyways. I would use me against him, after all all stallions seemed to think with their genitals. I closed the distance that was between us, pressing my silky maw up against his for a few seconds before pulling away. A handsome stallion like you, a real looker, should be more than a ditzy loner, you should be with mares like you. You should be with me. As the last sentence left my lips it was almost a dare, daring him to attempt to capture my heart, daring him to man up and get over himself. My pools now gazed into his, much softer and more alluring then they had been before. Deep down I still had hope, although this time it had changed. Now I was hoping that this little trick would work, I was hoping that he would fall for it and that I would be able to use it to my advantage later on. I was hoping, most of all, that I wouldn't dissapoint Kratos.

Words: 830
Muse: Meh.
Other: Plots are cooking.

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[Velnias]

Owhvdd

Ditzy She thought I was ditzy? Well, it came to show that I must have just looked terrible to her eyes. A scraped knee, my ears drooping, my head hanging, looking every bit dejected. I was pitiful, but I couldn't help it. I tried to perk up, listening to her words, as at first she spoke with an alluring tone, telling me about the things mere heroes dreamed of. This was not my everyday life! I felt the sudden twisting pressure in my gut that this wasn't only fate; this mare must have meant to find me! Me! Ovid, alone, solitary, homeless, and with no purpose. And yet she'd tried to find me, but for what reason I had not yet figured out. It was just me. I was tall, and healthy, and really rather gangly. But I was nothing special. If anything, I would have to trust my poor mother on this one. She once said to me that I was 'too pretty to be any good for anything'. In her failing mind I'm sure she'd meant it to be a compliment, but it hurt me then, and it still did to this day.

I raised my head, curious to the mare's requests. I realized I was possibly a full hand taller than her, so I dipped my head to even our eyes. That look on her face was full of things; commanding, straightforward, and even dark. It creeped me out just a little, but then again, she was so beautiful... I cleared my throat, realizing I'd been staring at her for as long as she'd been speaking and without hardly blinking. I looked away. A tiny bird fluttered onto my shoulder. Not again... Before I could say something I shivered my skin, making the creature alight from my shoulder, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I wanted to impress this mare. She was so lovely, but not in a kind, showering-with-affection sort of way. She was just graceful. And me? I was just a bumbling idiot. For whatever hero's journey she'd selected me, I was certain she was wrong. She just had to be!

"I--I'm sorry, but I think you're mistaken!" Even as I said it, my eyes filled with wonder at the prospects she'd spoken of. It gave me hope in a way. I shifted nervously from hoof to hoof and continued. "I don't know how to be a hero! I'm only me, only Ovid, not..." I stopped. The words had left my mouth and she was waiting for me to finish them. "...Him. Kratos." The word set a heavy cloud of fog over my head, as if a whole thousand sets of eyes had turned to watch me upon the mention of the word. All around me, in the forest. It sent my skin crawling. Everybody knew the stories. Everybody thought they were real. But no one was sure. He was an old legend. And I, for one, didn't believe it. At the very least, he must be dead. Because he couldn't be Cursed, not if the gods couldn't stop him. But still, the way it lingered...it scared me.

~ ~ ~

The trees parted as if trembling from my touch. I was silent as I weaved through them, the forest surrounding me. I was a luminescent chestnut in a cloud of thick green drapery. A branch snagged at my long mane and I bared my teeth. A bright explosion of orange light behind my head, the flames seared my neck but didn't burn me. I cast a final glance at the tree, now a burnt shell of dark ash. A foul sneer lingered on my face. I was entirely a chestnut, as if the fire consumed me and made me what I chose. I was filled with it. Broad, handsome, muscles bulging under taut reddish skin. My steps were like liquid fire, my movement smooth, sleek, without a purpose, seeming as though I was here one moment and there the next, a shade in the sunlight between the trees. Or was I really all that mysterious? No, just double-sided. But I was faithful. And the mare called Nakoma had given me her orders, given to her by none other than he ashen ghost himself.

Ahead there were voices. One was quiet, but it demanded respect in the sharp-edged steely tone of her voice. Nakoma. And the other one as noticeably less precise and coordinated. He spoke fast and stumbled over his words some. And then at the mention of my new Master's name, something hapened. The trees around me shuddered, as if inhaling a sharp breath. The leaves went still. I was the first to move. Little did the oblivious one know I had been standing near them for the final part of their conversation. Nakoma would know, though. So much so that I knew what was going on. This was recruiting. The new one's name was Ovid. My smoldering eyes flickered. This, I thought, I can use to my advantage.

I emerged from the trees, onto the trail. My head held high, it swung upon my shoulders with a swagger to announce my presence. My hooves stopped beside Nakoma's and I bowed to the mare, respectful of her. But I didn't give her name away. She'd chastise me for that; I'd come across to her as an intelligent, sly-witted and calculated thinker. When she'd been tracking me I had heard her before she'd noticed I'd deviated. I'd nearly caught her off guard, but before I could aim a flaming ball of fire at her I had recognized something she said. And now, looking from Nakoma to Ovid, I had made sure to wipe the frown off my face. I was really handsome when I was like this; I was regal. "Right on time," I said to Nakoma, but subtly also to Ovid. "And this is...?"

[Wild@Heart]

And now the chestnut stag lowered his head, making our pools meet. As I spoke he managed to stare at me, mask full of wonder, as if in a trance. A small smile managed to pull up at the corners of my lips. His face, the light rays managed to hit it in all the right places, accenting his dished nose, and large glistening eyes. There was something about those eyes, something within them. They were so deep, so hypnotizing. I wanted to stare into them for ages, to get lost in all their largeness and never return. He was more than just a pretty face, that was easy to see, he was much much more. He had a soul, humanity. Many couldn't say this, many didn't have this, and yet here was this gorgeous equine who did.

And then he cleared his throat, and my gaze instantly dropped to the ground. This was the first time I had shown any embarrassment to a creature, this was the first time that I avoided eye contact with him. He had seemed to comfortable staring openly at me, allowing me to do the same, and yet he must have known that I was staring at him, he must have known that I couldn't pull my eyes away. I could feel my cheeks growing warmer with a superficial blush that I knew would now show through my hide, but just the fact that it was there was unsettling.

And then out of the corner of my eye I could see a colorful aviary flying over the large stag, landing upon his shoulder. With a twitch of his pelt the creature flew away, bright red wings working with the wind. I had always wanted to fly. I could only imagine the possibilities of it. The freedom that it would allow, the things that one could see when lifted high into the sky upon strong wings. It would be amazing, it would be a gift like no other. And this equine, the one that stood in front of me, seemed to have some sort of connection to the winged creatures. Maybe it had something to do with his powers, maybe it was something that we could use.

I, I'm sorry. But I think you're mistaken. He began to fidget, body swaying as he managed to get the words out. It would have been so much easier if he would have been excited, so much easier if he would have been cold at heart. I don't know how to be a hero. I'm only me, only Ovid. Not... Him. Kratos. The name he had spoken, it hung in the silent world and a black fog began to creep in. It started with the trees, circling their large trunks and working its way up. And then it reached us, Ovid first, circling his tendons. I lifted my pools off the ground, locking them with the creatures as a stern look came over my face. He had drawn attention to us, the attention of the ones I knew I would always have from here on out, and yet at the same time I didn't really want.

My voice was soft as I spoke, something along the lines of betrayal present. You can learn to be the hero, I can teach you. My words were hurried, as if I couldn't wait for them to reach his harks as I spoke, a plea. Besides, I hardly want you to be Kratos. If you were him, I would not be here. I came, searching for you and only you. There was no other that I wanted, no other that I considered. And do you know why? Because I believe in you. Because I want you. My tone grew bolder with each sentence I spoke, coming out clear and assertive when I reached the last one. I believed in this stallion, I really believed in him. I could see him leading a whole herd of others into battle, standing tall as he marched across the barren land. Yes, he could be great if given the chance, and I didn't want to give up on him. There was something special about him, something that had drawn me in. Maybe it was because he was different, and the odd ones were the ones who usually had the most to give, or maybe because he was so handsome, in his own way. But no matter what it was, there was no denying that it was there. And right at this moment I was glad that no mind readers were around to hear what I was thinking.

And then a noise was audible from the west, hooves on the pine needles that lay upon the ground. I turned my crown, looking in the direction of where I thought the noise had come from. And from the trees emerged a figure, one that was familiar to me. His coat was an auburn, aflame in the sunlight, and his movements were smooth. We had connected in personality, but there wasn't anything more. Our relationship held possibility, but it seemed as if neither of us would pursue such a thing. He halted his forward movement at my side, dipping his crown in respect. I returned the favor, giving him a small smile and lowering my own. His best feature, by no doubt, was his face. His pools were much like Ovid's, emotional, although his seemed to hold a hidden secret deep down. And his muzzle was velvet, whiskers gone, and nose bone deeply chiseled. He was a noble beast, one who would, no doubt, do great things. Right on time. This comment appeared aimed at me, and yet he had meant for Ovid to hear it. And this is? His voice trailed off and I turned my attention from him back to Ovid, my gaze warm and encouraging.

I waited for him to give an answer, not wanting to give away his name without his permission. I wasn't sure that the fiery stag was looking for a name exactly, he seemed to already know it. But, I wasn't positive what I wanted. I knew I should have felt like the leader of this situation, as if I was in control, and yet it seemed as if I was living the life of someone else, as if this was someone else's dream and I was just a stranger in this world. But hopefully the feeling would die away, hopefully it would become a constant in my life. Hopefully it would become my life.

Words: 1,093
Muse: Great.

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[Velnias]

Owhvdd

Thi mare's words weren't as harsh as they used to be. They were steely but calm and the upliftedme in a weird way. And I didn't even know her name. I looked at her, and was about to say 'thank you' when suddenly a litle birdie tweeted in my ear that we weren't alone. I looked past the mare. Two gems glittered in the trees and suddenly I realized they were eyes. Surprisingly calm, I stood my ground as a fire-red horse emerged into the dapped sunlight. Considering what I'd heard in the past few minutes, I was in little mood to be shocked and no spare energy to start in astonishment. I just looked at the stallion with a level gaze. I was taller than him, but when he approached I realized that my wiry height was no match for his sleek bulk. He was broad shouldered and broad chested, and muscles rippled under his taut red skin. I was suddenly jealous. This mare? They were definitely closer than acquaintances. There was no way I could compete with him.

"Ovid," I said shyly, lowering my eyes a fraction. I could feel him scrutinizing me and my every move, and I made it plain I wasn't competing with him. I heard him draw in a smooth deep breath. My ears flicked from him to the mare, who was silent. The reddish stallion spoke darkly, his voice rough when he spoke, but at the same time it was a little lighthearted. "A little on the scrawny side." The stallion spoke offhandedly, obviously to the mare-friend of his. I met Nkoma's eyes and looked away, determined not to let tears show though normally I would have been so put off that I would have shown it. I flared my nostrils and wrinkled the bridge of my nose in disgust, looking away.

"You," the horse said. I pricked my ears, not meeting her eyes but looking directly at the red horse's. His gaze glittered dark and full of things I didn't dare try to read. Something smelled funny in the middle of all this they spoke about, and I was certain I didn't like it, but what could I compare my sense of danger to? Ducking my head when a creature flew by, not because I was afraid of what it'd do to me, but of what I would do to it? "Yes, umm...sir," I stammered. "What are you thinking?" I couldn't at first tell what he meant so I furrowed my brow, but he still gave me the same, steady look. Then I connected things and reigned in the possibility that they'd actually planned to meet me. Here. Now. And he was asking me about this mare's proposal. "I'll do it." I said. My eyes, as I spoke flicked over hers, as if I was making the promise to her, not to him.

The red horse blinked for the first time and stood a little straighter, sizing me up. The bridge of his nose was prominent and regal and his eyes looked down on me. "Very well," he turned to the mare, "Let's move." He looked from her to me and with a flick of the tail he nodded for us to follow him. I walked behind the mare and was tempted to as her her name, but she looked the same as she did when she'd first spoen to me. Like she was not one to be trifled with. Litle did I know my day, already interesting enough, was about to truly change.

OOC - One more post with Nakoma, then Kratos' little girl comes and take them all for a ride and we close it there?

[Wild@Heart]

Ovid. He spoke his name softly, almost with a hint of shyness behind it, and he lowered his gaze. I could tell that the crimson brute was looking him over, and that the chestnut seemed uncomfortable with it. Part of me wanted to go stand by him, to comfort him and let him know he wasn't alone in this. But then the other half was worried about what Ignid would think. Would he think that I was a softy, for feeling the need to protect someone that seemed so much less. Because that was exactly how I thought he would feel, how his expression showed the world he would feel.

A little on the scrawny side. His voice was light and empty as he spoke, a simple statement that I knew had to effect the sensitive beast that stood across from us. Ovid met my gaze for a second, my own one of understanding and apology. Seconds later his nostrils began to flare, nose scrunching up, as he looked away. Once again I felt the need to go comfort him, and yet once again I stayed put, only the look upon my face giving away the hint of pity.

You. The single word was spoken in a hard tone, and it hung thick in the air, followed by silence. Ovid's ears perked up, standing at attention, as he looked at Ignid. Yes, um, sir. His words were broken up, coming out slowly, and my gaze never left his eyes. My own mask was encouraging, pools aglow with hidden emotion. What are you thinking? My crown tilted slightly to the side, wondering where he was going with this. Ovid had the same idea, brow furrowing. He looked cute that way, forhead engraved with lines, pools pulled up at the edges. A small hint of a smile pulled up at the corners of my lips, seers glistening.

I'll do it. Those were the words we had been waiting for, I now realized. His voice was strong as he locked his pools upon me, mine gladly meeting his. His mask was one of overwhelming information, one of pending conformation. Without hesitation a smile spread across my kissers, and my pools were strong as I gaze him what he needed, the conformation that this is what we had wanted. Very well. Ignid now turned to me, our pools connecting as my mask was wiped of all emotion and turned serious once more. This is the way it would be, this is what I had come to accept. Around others I would need to be serious at all times, need to keep my emotions bottled up and be able to stay calm. But with Ovid, with the handsome chestnut, I would be able to be me. That would be the one thing we shared, the one thing that would connect us both. Deep down neither of us belonged, neither of us really fit the part. We were merely pons picked to play the parts, actors that were great at acting. With each look he gave me, such a connection was present in my pools and I hoped he could see that, I hoped he knew. In the next few months I suspected that he would come to mean alot to me, more than anyone else.

Let's move. He shifted his gaze to our new prospect before returning it to me, nodding for us to follow. I allowed him to lead, although once again I felt like I was higher upon the stature then him, when in all reality he was meant to take control. But I was happy to be closer to Ovid, closer to who I used to be and the equine that still lingered deep down. He walked behind me, the chestnut, and with each step I was tempted to turn around and look back. Not because I knew that he wasn't following, I could hear each step he took and his breathing, but because I wanted to make contact, I wanted him to understand. And yet something kept me from doing it, from doing such a simple task as looking back.

Words: 689
Muse: Double Meh.

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[Velnias]

The fire colored mane lay still on my neck. Soft footfalls behind me, four pairs. The colt already hoped to swoon Nakoma. But he didn't know her well enoigh, or her name. He'd soon have to discover how very far she was from his reach, and how I so steadily stood in the way of him. Small, pitiful thing he was. Not too much good for anything, I knew. Kratos wouldn't be pleased; at least, he'd likely reason that she'd found one good catch in her search, and the second one? Well, he was excess. Good wolf bait. Horse bait. But I didn't want Nakoma to fail; oh no! Sooner or later though, she'd need to see the light of day. She also didn't know that I, in fact, didn't need Kratos' help to become a master of dark warfare. That title was already under my belt; all I needed was leverage. She didn't know how useful she'd be to me.

I took a sharp turn into the trees, where the darkness encased our silent bodies. I moved ahead, the shimmering red glint dulled to a gray under the trees' canopy. Nakoma and Ovid walked behind me; I listened for a sound of anything passing between them. The clumsy colt made a mess of the trail and just couldn't keep his feet up without tripping every few steps. My ears pinned, and tension rose like a cord that soon snapped. When he broke a twig I snaked my head behind me and gave him a look that could wither anyone. I bared my teeth, and he opened his mouth to apologize huriedly. "Don't," I hissed. He shut his mouth, and I was able to focus on the trees a little while We walked until I stopped, and I waited. We' only stopped a minute when a figure appeared.

- - -

A tree would have perhaps been more attractive, but I wanted to surprise them out of their wits. The dirt cracked and crumbled. My body walked up out of the earth as clumps of it fell away from my sleek coat. My hooves somehow found traction under me and pushed me upwards and out of the earth's underground coffin. I was met by the still air and darkness of the woods. I blinked, looking from the horse-sized hole to the three horses. My dark black eyes glinted. "Didn't sssseeee that there." I recognized Nakoma. She was the only mare and for some reason although she was the one who was supposed to be in control of this little scharade, she'd given up command to the chestnut. I set my sights on him first.

My slim buckskin coat shone dappled inthe dark moonlight. The chestnut looked me over and I pinned my ears. "What'sss wrong with you?" I spat. He didn't flinch, only snarled his teeth, but he couldn't take his eyes off me. "Where issss your mind? This isn't your business, mind you." With a look of confusion mixed with anxiety he gave me a cold stare. I did notice one thing: he had not been marked yet. "Do you know me?" The chestnut's head rose a fraction, jerked away from my face and words. "Hah. Pathetic." My head snaked forward with the reflexes of a snake, and my fangs sunk into his neck just behind the ear. My teeth drew blood and it tasted smart on my tongue; the stallion couldn't react quickly enough before I'd withdrawn my teeth and had slipped out of reach. The bite would redden and bleed a little while, but soon it would scar. A permanent red swirl, the Mark of Kratos' Army.

"And neither of you have a Mark, either?" I looked from the gangly colt to Nakoma. "Ovid, isn't it? Had any sweet dreamssss lately?" A sneer spread onto my lips. I stepped closer. I looked him over, up and down, and noticed how scrawny he was compared to the first stallion she'd seem to have recruited. A sinister tune seemed to be playing in my head, darting around in my mind in between my thoughts. I was aware that the ear twitch was returning. I hated it. It did make people cringe, though. In a slow circle I slunk around the small group. I walked very close to Ovid's ear and paused, hearing his breath quiver. "Afraid? Oh, husssshhhh, I'll take care of you..." I lashed my teeth into his neck in the same way I'd done for the other. "It'ss not that bad. You'll get ussed to it." The way he was trembling I was surprised he'd made it this far.

I addressed the three of them. I would save Nakoma for later, when we spoke in private, once camp was reached. "You picked an interesssting two, misss mare, my girl. But fair compensation isss in order. We wil ssspeak very ssoon. For now, the three of you need obey only thisss." I paused, and a gap of silence stretched between us. I licked my lips. "Kratossss has a plan. You are all part of the plan. Below himm, you obey meeee. You all three have potential to do something great. But no one will skid the wheels for you." I broke eye contact and searched the trees around us. The night was quiet. With a gesture of my head, I motioned the others to follow me. I approached a great old oak tree, and stood before its base. "Great power awaitsss you." I gave Nakoma a sharp stare, as if to enforce what I'd told her before. I was impressed by her so far. But they would all have to do more to really impress upon me. Kratos wouldn't tolerate any slack.

I put a hoof to the tree bark. I pressed in into the tree's side without much force, but all the same the bark began to splinter and shatter under the pressure. The old wood parted and my legs one by one broke through the tree. This control by touch was such a sinister power, but then again, it was incredible. It exemplified the potential one could have if under the allegiance of the greatest Cursed power of the last two hundred years. My pretty buckskin body disappeared into the jagged opening at the base of the tree. The bark stuck out like claws but my body slipped through easily. Behind me followed the red chestnut, the young stallion, and the mare. The gate sealed up again bhind us. We were here, in the camp the vengeful, where soldiers milled around us, and the clanging of metal on rock resonated in the forest. Small, organized groups marched together in cadence, all marked with the dagger-like swirl of red just behind their right ear. The camp was alive.